Work begins on improvements to several Eastside MAX stations

TriMet in the Portland,
Ore., area is beginning work on the first of several stimulus-funded projects
aimed at improving rider and pedestrian safety, security and convenience at
Eastside MAX stations. TriMet is using federal stimulus funds to repaint six
MAX stations, starting at the E 162nd Ave station in Gresham.

Some Eastside MAX stations
have had limited refurbishments over the years and are in need of painting.
Federal stimulus funds allow TriMet to paint six stations over the next six
weeks, weather permitting. After 162nd Ave station, painting will occur at the
E 102nd Ave, E 122nd Ave, E 181st Ave, Ruby Junction/E 197th Ave and Gresham
Central stations.

TriMet is also upgrading
various street and rail crossings at 11 light rail stations along Eastside MAX
beginning in November. The work includes installing bollards, chains and
railings to channel pedestrians to help them be more aware of train movement.
Crews will also install signs or pavement markings such as "Look Both
Ways," "Stop Here," and "Danger No Trespassing."

Several other stimulus
projects on the eastside are in the works in the coming months:

* Installation of fencing,
lighting and signage to improve safety, security and fare compliance at Gresham
Central MAX station

* Scheduled to start in
December

Tactile paver replacement

* Replacement of damaged
and worn tactile pavers that alert riders of trackway at five stations

The contractor for station
painting is Aadland Evans Contractors, Inc. Subcontractors include A2
Fabrications, Suell Painting and COAT Flagging, all part of TriMet's
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Federal stimulus funds from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have retained three jobs and prevented
nine layoffs among the contractor and three subcontractors working on this
project.

TriMet was awarded $53.3
million in federal stimulus funds to be used to fix failing infrastructure,
make the transit system more robust and put Oregonians to work. TriMet's 31
stimulus projects are projected to fund about 740 direct jobs and 1,100
indirect jobs.